MusicNSW is proud to announce Wamarra Music Launchpad – a six week professional development program designed to help Sydney-based First Nations artists, creatives, aspiring music entrepreneurs, and existing music businesses build integral business skills for longevity within the contemporary music industry.

Building on the success of our inaugural Wamarra Music Lab residency, this micro-format program provides accessible, practical and culturally informed business training delivered through weekly workshops at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE), Redfern (Gadigal). Participants will gain knowledge, tools, and confidence to strengthen their existing practice, formalise a business idea, or develop the skills required to build a sustainable music business or career.

If you are a First Nations artist, creative, aspiring music entrepreneur or music business owner based in Sydney, Wamarra Music Launchpad is an opportunity for you to develop vital skills and build relationships to help you grow your business.

About Wamarra

Wamarra is a Wiradjuri word meaning "to build", and this program reflects that ethos by supporting participants to build strong business foundations grounded in cultural authority, self-determination, and community.

This program has been developed by MusicNSW First Nations Development Manager, Kaleena Smith, and First Nations Project Coordinator, Thalia Skopellos. Our vision is for a thriving, culturally safe, visible, diverse, financially secure and self-determined First Nations music sector - with more First Nations owned and operated music businesses, and more First Nations folks in leadership roles within the industry. Wamarra Music Launchpad is proudly supported by Sound NSW and City of Sydney.

KEY DATES & DETAILS

The Wamarra Music Launchpad is a six week professional development program running every Thursday in October until the first Thursday of November 2026 (Thursday, October 1 - Thursday, 5 November)

Applications open: 17 August 2026 AEDT

Applications close: 11:59pm, 10 September 2026 AEDT

Successful applicants notified: By 17 September 2026

WORKSHOP DATES

• Thursday, 1 October, 10am-1pm, NCIE, Redfern
• Thursday, 8 October, 10am-1pm, NCIE, Redfern
• Thursday, 15 October, 10am-1pm, NCIE, Redfern
• Thursday, 22 October, 10am-1pm, NCIE, Redfern
• Thursday, 29 October, 10am-1pm, NCIE, Redfern
• Thursday, 5 November, 10am-1pm, NCIE, Redfern

WHO CAN APPLY

‍Applications are open to individuals who are:

• 18+ years & above
• Identify as a First Nations person (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander)
• An Australian citizen or permanent resident living and working in Australia
• An independent First Nations artist
• An independent First Nations music creative (photographer, writer, producer, composer etc.)
• An owner of an emerging or established First Nations-led music business
• Wanting to start a music business
• Hoping to work in the music industry
• Available to travel to Redfern and participate in our in-person workshops, from Thursday, 1 October - Thursday, 5 November 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Thalia Skopellos at thalia@musicnsw.com.

APPLY HERE

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

I’m not based in NSW, can I still apply?

Unfortunately, this program is open to First Nations artists, entrepreneurs and music business owners in Sydney (Gadigal).

Is there any cost to participate?

No, Wamarra Music Launchpad includes all domestic travel, accommodation and meals for the residency period.

What kind of business do I need to be running?

This program is open to First Nations artists or music creatives, emerging and established First Nations-led music businesses and First Nations collectives or organisations seeking practical business development skills. This may include sole traders and business owners who run an artist management company, PR agency, community music space or venue, a record label, a festival, or a music consultancy, for example. 

‍What do I need to supply in my application?

You will need to provide a short bio or one-page summary of you and your music business, links such as your website, social media, press kit (if available) and information about your readiness for music business growth, cultural values and community engagement.

What will happen and what will I learn at the Launchpad?

Through workshops, masterclasses and opportunities for shared reflection, participants will explore key areas including business literacy, taxation, branding and marketing, community building and more. The full program will be released to selected participants prior to the first workshop.

APPLY HERE